#NEWSNUGGETS

Southern Gospel Music Association President Arthur Rice called Jeanette Cooke last week to let her know that she is being inducted into the SGMA Hall Of Fame as part of the class of 2025. Cooke began singing in 1962 with her husband Hubert. As their children joined the group, they became known as The Singing Cookes. 

When the SGMA published the news about Cooke last Saturday, they revealed that a fifth inductee would soon be announced. This was a surprise due to the fact that in recent years, the inductees have been limited to four. On Tuesday, the SGMA announced the fifth inductee will be Gary McSpadden. McSpadden’s history includes filling in with the Statesmen in the early 1960s followed by two years with the Oak Ridge Quartet/Boys and three years with the newly formed Imperials. McSpadden resumed singing professionally with The Bill Gaither Trio in 1977 and became part of the newly formed Gaither Vocal Band in 1981 where he remained until 1988.

The Hoppers announced that, going forward, the group will officially consist of Dean, Kim, and Karlye Hopper. Mike Hopper has ceased traveling so he can be a caregiver for his parents, Claude and Connie Hopper, who had already reduced their appearances to special events. 

In an interview this week, Roland Kesterson announced The Inspirations will revive their tradition of releasing a brand-new album annually at their Singing In The Smokies event. The multi-day/multi-group concert is scheduled for July 3-5, 2025 in Bryson City, North Carolina.

Gerald Wolfe’s Gospel Music Hymn Sing announced they will travel to the United Kingdom this November for performances in London, England and Belfast, Northern Ireland.

RELEASED RECENTLY

April 11 – George Strait – Faith In God Above (digital EP includes six of Strait’s previously released faith-based songs)

April 18 – Anne Wilson – Rebel: Revisted (digital)

Click HERE to listen to this month’s new releases.

UPCOMING RELEASES

Dates listed here typically reflect official release dates for retail and/or online outlets. Dates titles become available direct from the artists may differ.

May 2 – Gaither Gospel Series – Heavenly Love: A Southern Convention Sing-Along (DVD/CD)

May 9 – Mylon Hayes Family – Sing His Praise! (CD/digital)

May 16 – Karen Peck & New River – Good Answers (CD/digital)

June 7 – Pine Ridge Boys – Down Memory Lane (CD)

2025 – The Singing News Sourcebook